Book Description
This charming and rewarding collection of beautiful paintings celebrates the centuries-old iconography of women engaged in needlework, an activity that has always united women from all countries and in all stations of life, whether taken up for practical or artistic purposes. Artists as long ago as the Middle Ages sought to capture the needle-worker's quiet concentration and domestic milieu, to convey the social and cultural connotations of this largely female domain, and its symbolic resonance. Many of the loveliest of these paintings are depicted, including works by Vermeer, Chardin, Velasquez and Dalí, by the Pre-Raphaelite school and by the Impressionists, in particular the works of such women artists as Mary Cassatt and Berthe Morisot.
Customer Reviews:
Birthday hit! .......2007-09-08
I gave this to a needlewoman friend who was delighted - had never seen the book and was thrilled.
Not for the specialist.......2007-03-16
While this book includes some delightful examples of paintings which include people practising various needle arts the lack of any criterion of organization by period, type of needleart or even name of artist, together with sometimes not well informed commentary makes this more of a charming 'keepsake' gift book rather than a significant study. While the author has turned up some less well known examples other interesting works relevant to such a collection do not appear.
In Praise of the Needlewoman.......2007-01-15
This book is a beautiful way to associate art throghout the ages with our needlepoint of today. It is so interesting to find paintings that you have seen and then look at them again by being shown a person sitting and stitching. You can actually see and feel her joy in her work and the feeling of accomplishment it is bringing to her. Wonderfully done and researched. And since Gail Sirna is a designer and teacher of needlework, she brings authority and true feeling into this interesting book which is a "feast for the eyes".
mostly for 19th century enthusiasts.......2006-11-27
Beautiful clear reproductions of paintings and descriptions of needlework in relation to social history of the period. Even so I am quite disappointed in the book because my interest is in earlier periods and the book descriptions are slightly misleading. I ordered it because the book jacket says "spans more than five centuries" and "from the sixteenth century onwards," and a description on this page mentions medieval. However, the earliest painting is from 1595 (d'Estrees sisters in the Louvre) and the needlewoman therein is part of the background, not the main painting. That is the *ONLY* 16th century painting and there are only 6 from the 17th century.
The others are all later: 5 from the 18th century (2 of those from the 1790s); 21 from the 20th century; rest are all 19th century. This is a visually lovely book but if you want a balanced continuum of the needlewoman across "more than five centuries," this isn't it. If you're looking for needlewomen in the 19th century, you'll enjoy it.
Lovely full-page color photos are accompanied by insights into the painter, his subject, and the world of needlework........2006-11-07
In Praise of the Needlewoman: Embroiderers, Knitters, Lacemakers, and Weavers in Art could've been featured in our Arts section but is reviewed here for its special interest to any involved in the needlework arts. Works by old to modern masters depict the needlewoman's artistic pursuits, and come from such famous names as Vermeer, Chardin, and Dali. This celebrates the theme, analyzing the surveying the fine art of women's work through some of the best needlework classics of the art world. Lovely full-page color photos are accompanied by insights into the painter, his subject, and the world of needlework.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Description
Sketchbooks are invaluable companions for artists and an essential part of today’s textile courses, and now, at last, there’s a book that shows embroiderers and textile students how to make the most of their sketchbook practice. Through fascinating glimpses into the sketchbooks of leading textile artists, this beautifully illustrated, first-of-its-kind guide shows—from first sketches to finished pieces—how to use a sketchbook to develop ideas, record personal observations, experiment with materials, and create sketchbooks that are works of art in themselves. Sketching in museums, coloring pages, mark-making, drawing and collage, 3-D work, e-sketchbooks, and more are covered. A must-have for students, embroiderers, and textile artists of all abilities.
Customer Reviews:
Creating Sketchbooks for Embroiderers and Textile Artists.......2007-07-05
I was very disappointed with this book. The text was uninteresting. The examples were not how to build your sketch book, rather it was focused on completed work.
From Yael, a French reader.......2007-03-08
Wondeful photos, original and beautiful Art, but I'm still not sure to have completely understood the exact subject of this book. And I was waiting for something else when I ordered it, but I don't regret to have bought it, and it's more Art than Craft, I think. It's very, very original and very different from most books sold. It is very "avant-garde", and has nothing to do with the traditional Art & Craft books. If you like what is different and new, this book is for you,
Yael
A 'must' for any serious about their craft........2006-10-16
Sketchbooks are typically mentioned as part of a painter or sketcher's art, but they're also an invaluable tool for modern textile and embroidery artists - and finally here's a book for this audience. Leading textile artists contribute their works and techniques to a unique coverage which follows first sketches to finished works, showing textile artists how to develop ideas, record observations, use sketchbooks for rough drafts and technique experiments, and more. Creating Sketchbooks For Embroiderers and Textile Artists is a 'must' for any serious about their craft.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Ideas for the creative process.......2006-08-06
This book generated many ideas for my work in textile art; and allowed my own individual creative process to develop. Also, there are great visuals, particularly for mark making using "paint" or stitchery. Recommend for artists as well as serious hobbists.
Customer Reviews:
Beautiful silk embroidery!.......1999-09-28
This book is FULL of color photos of Ms. Stevens' lovely embroidery with plenty of sketches to help in making your own. A short summary of techniques and tools are discussed at the end of the book. This is a monumental achievement, and not her only one! A wonderful and inspirational way to spend many afternoons. The embroidery is almost all done in silk, with some wool, and lots of suggestions for doing your own work.
Beautiful pictures of exquisite silk thread embroidery........1998-03-07
The book contains beautiful representations of flowers, birds, butterflies done in delicate silk thread stitches. The book was published in England and printed in Germany.
Book Description
100 garden favorites rendered in black-and-white line illustrations will suggest numerous design and artistic uses to artists, designers, craftsmen, needleworkers. Amaryllis, anemone, begonia, cinquefoil, peony, snapdragon flow and weave, many forming borders and frames. All drawings royalty-free.
Customer Reviews:
A good garden floral design book.......2003-11-17
It pertains a good assortment of garden flowers and the drawing is graceful. Yet, the interpretation of the shading by scatter dots sometimes make the design look too busy.
Excellent source book.......2001-02-07
This book of black and white line drawings has a wealth of flower designs in several sizes and shows those flowers from several different angles. Most common American flowers are represented and the index makes a particular flower easy to locate. I have used it for pen and ink drawing, china painting, and embroidery designs but it would be equally useful to woodworkers or oil painters. The renditions are detailed enough to get a firm understanding of the flowers structure and the shading, while subtle, would be helpful to a new student who might have problems with light and shadow. It is one of the most used source books in my collection.
Book Description
Perfect for would-be stitchers who love the idea of beautiful handmade crafts for the home but don’t have lots of time,
The Impatient Embroiderer is full of projects that are quick, clever, and elegant. With this wonderful array of machine-stitch and quick-stitch embroidery techniques, you will be able to dress up anything from pillows and curtains to jackets and jeans. Easy-to-follow instructions help you match stitch to fabric, so whether you are working on cotton or velvet, you can expect polished results no matter what your skill level.
Customer Reviews:
The Impatient Ebroiderer.......2007-07-15
This book does not require an embroidery machine. This book is great if you want to try free-handed techniques to get started, or want to test embroidery before you invest in the high price machines. The look is definately modern, using new fabrics & colors. I am not sure if a teenager would have the patience to try the products, but I think younger people would enjoy this.
Book Description
This encyclopedia of embroidery stitches using stranded threads is a comprehensive reference for every embroiderer. The numerous step-by-step photographs and clear instructions show every stage of working a stitch and make even the most complicated techniques easy to follow. Alongside the stitches are practical hints on using different threads and fabrics, tried and tested tips for the beginner and gorgeous projects using and combining the stitches described in the book. Common problems are solved and suggestions given on choosing and storing equipment, starting and finishing and the use of hoops and frames.
More experienced embroiderers will find inspiration and ideas for further experimentation and suggestions for using embroidery on clothing, accessories and in the home.
Customer Reviews:
Embroiderer's Handbook : The Essential Step-by-step Guide to Creative Stitches and Versatile Techniques.......2007-10-02
The Embroiderer's Handbook is an excellent reference book for the experienced and inexperienced textile enthusiast. It presents textile embellishment in an easy to follow step-by-step guide with excellent photographs and written instructions. The directions are on individual stitches using various types of thread and ribbon and is not a project how-to book. It a very versatile guide. Embroidery stitches, ribbon embellishments, sewing sequins and beads, hemstitching and canvas work are all included. If I only had one book on the topic, this would be the book.
Excellent recource for the beginner.........2006-10-15
..since every step is shown on beutiful, clear photographs. Under every photo you get the explanation in words too so you know what to do 100%! The instuctions are very clear and easy to understand! The book is full with techniques yet, it's not overvhelming, hundreds of stiches and not just regular embroidery but a little bit of ribbon embroidery too. Therefore I'd recommend this book not only for the beginner but the experienced too since there are so much to learn from! What I really liked was that the author showed at least 8 ways to make mini roses from ribbon! I have never embroidered before but I always wanted to try. I have no one to teach me right now so I've been looking for some books at my local book store as well as fabric stores for a while. My problem with the majority of the beginners books is that the illustrations shown are only drawings and most of the time they are not clear enough for me. What you usually get is one drawing and on that one, you get 2 to 5 steps and they put a number to every step. I didn't like that so I was very happy when I finally came across this book today at the store! I didn't buy it yet since Amazon is cheaper but I can't wait to order soon and start embroider!!!
Best Embroidery Book I Own.......2006-07-03
I'm a senior and I never embroidered. I started looking at books for instructions and a friend of mine owns a copy of this book. I borrowed it and after just a few minutes, I knew I had to own a copy. I love the step by step instructions with pictures. The book gives you alternative names to stitches, hints and definitions of what the stitches can be used for. The details are amazing, and each page is an education. I'd recommend it to all beginners as well as the experienced embroiderer.
Best Stitch Book Yet.......2005-08-02
I saw this book at Barnes and Noble before I purchased from Amazon, so I knew what I was getting. Saved alot of money through Amazon.
This book has excellent photos on how to do just about every stitch that you could think of and some that I had never seen.
Some stitches show 10 steps on how to do them. This book is for the beginner as well as experienced. Highly recommened.
Book Description
Internationally respected textile artist Helen M. Stevens presents a new collection of over 80 embroidered masterpieces, inspired by each month of the year.
Taking as her theme such celebrations as Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas or simply the changing of the seasons, Helen observes the details, colors and patterns of the natural world around her and translates them into sumptuous stitches.
Full color photographs show the detail of every stitch while clear diagrams and instructions explain all the techniques featured.
Customer Reviews:
tantalised but soo frustrated.......2007-05-17
I was so loving this book until I realised it is basically a gallery of her work and with not a pattern in sight. Well worth drooling over but not a 'how to' book unless you want to use a magnifying glass on each photo to work out how each is stitched and no projects to complete yourself. Will keep it for the facinating artwork.
Embroiderers Year.......2007-02-23
A BEAUTIFUL book. If you like Helen Stevens' work, you will love this book.
A real worth of your collections.......2005-02-21
I am always fascinated with Helen's works. This one particular. I should say her technique is not that complicated and subtle compared to Chinese SuZhou embroidery's. But her ways of interpreting country creatures like flowers, plants, birds, animals are so vivid that they seem to come to life. Her stitches are just like impressionists' stroke, which capture the every essential piece of natural beauty. I love her landscape works especially. I regret not seeing so many landscape works in this book, but her two works of the same scene in late spring and early winter already ensnare my heart and I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves embroidery and nature.
Book Description
Flowers are the universally popular motif for embroidery, whether for small decorative embellishments on clothes and household linens or for large embroidered pictures suitable for framing.
Janet Haigh presents inspirational designs and techniques for creating a wide range of popular flowers in crewelwork, appliqué, and counted cross-stitch. Motifs that can be replicated and comprehensive how-to-work instructions are provided for each of the 40 flowers depicted, such as dahlias, daffodils, geraniums, irises, peonies, poppies, tulips, roses, and water lilies.
Haigh is a well-known embroiderer and textile designer who has made a special study of flowers in embroidery. This is her third book.
• Inspirational designs drawn from nature for the most popular embroidery flowers
• Practical step-by-step instructions for every stitch
• Motifs and how-to-work diagrams for all designs
Customer Reviews:
SUBLIME FLOWERS.......2003-11-29
I always enjoy picking up a project book of needlearts and finding a good mix of sophisticated ideas for needlework. This book has it in spades! From the ethereal cover picture (not that shown above) of an appliqued and embroidered Lenten Rose/HHellebore, to the magnificently engineered tulip on the back cover, the very realistic pansies, the lavender, to the sweet violets atop an appliqued velvet "leaf"....I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The closeup photography is superlative, the very clear photographs in the stitch glossary, along with the drawings of the patterns make this book a great addition to the needleworker's library.
Although there are some simplistic contemporary renderings of flowers included which normally I don't go for, they are not intrusive nor too many and can certainlly have their place in inspiration.
All in all, this is a wonderful book!
Books:
- Just Let The Kids Play: How to Stop Other Adults from Ruining Your Child's Fun and Success in Youth Sports
- Knitting Lingerie Style: More Than 30 Basic and Lingerie-Inspired Designs
- Lace Style: Traditional to Innovative, 21 Inspired Designs to Knit
- Landscape Painting Inside and Out: Capture the Vitality of Outdoor Painting in Your Studio With Oils
- Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-Sew, and No-Sew Projects (Sewing)
- Learn Calligraphy: The Complete Book of Lettering and Design
- Learn-To-Knit-Afghan Book
- Machine-Stitched Cathedral Windows: Updating an Old Favorite
- Making Designer Seed Bead, Stone, and Crystal Jewelry
- Making Polymer Clay Beads: Step-by-Step Techniques for Creating Beautiful Ornamental Beads
Books Index
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General
| History & Criticism
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
18th Century Embroidery Techniques
Embroidered Knot Gardens: Using Three-Dimensional Stumpwork, Canvas Work & Ribbonwork
Long and Short Stitch Embroidery: A Collection of Flowers (Milner Craft Series)
The Needle's Eye: Women And Work in the Age of Revolution
200 Braids to Twist, Knot, Loop, or Weave
